PATHfinders Summer Bridge Priority Deadline is Friday, May 27

By Ryan Clark

CHS Communications Director

Parents and students know it’s true: When enrolling in college, it helps to get your hands on all the information possible.

So what if we could offer this:

A program specifically for incoming first-year students in the College of Health Sciences
A program that offers a variety of speakers such as CHS advisors and program directors, on-campus partners (i.e., The Study, Career Center) and more
A program that is facilitated by our own CHS PATHfinders Peer Mentors

Does that sound helpful? Well, you’re in luck.

Say hello to the PATHfinders Summer Bridge Program.

“The purpose of the PATHfinders Peer Mentor program is to provide support to first-year students through mentorship from upper-class students who are already within the College of Health Sciences,” said Randa Riemer, PhD, LPC, and the Ambassador Advisor for CHS. “This Summer Bridge Program is actually an extension of that. What we realized over the course of time was that the Peer Mentor program itself was wonderful but that students really needed a better base, so we wanted to provide them with a leg up as they transitioned into college so that they would know how to navigate the University and the College better on day one — and hopefully be more successful throughout their college career.”

The PATHfinders Summer Bridge Program is a four-day, in-person program hosted on UK's campus for incoming first-year students designed to enhance both their personal and academic wellbeing. Its goal is to increase inclusivity and promote diversity within the College of Health Sciences at the University of Kentucky, while connecting students to upper-class students, faculty, and staff who will support them in their journey. The program has four focus areas: healthcare exploration, financial wellness, academic preparation, and creating a sense of belonging.

Priority deadline to apply is Friday, May 27.

“It’s really an inspiration,” said recent PATHfinder Mentor Garrett Anspach, who just graduated with a degree in Clinical Leadership and Management. “I'm not working by myself but I'm working with others and sharing my perspective to make it easier on them as they transition through the college.”

“This is a great opportunity for incoming first-year CHS students to connect with key people prior to matriculating,” said another recent PATHfinder Mentor Ellee Sidebottom, who also graduated with a degree in Clinical Leadership and Management. “It is an opportunity to meet and build relationships with CHS faculty, Peer Mentors, and future classmates, gain knowledge about a variety of healthcare professions, learn more about financial resources on campus, and become more familiar with UK's campus prior to move-in.”

WHO is the program for?

The PATHfinders Summer Bridge Program is for incoming first-year students in the College of Health Sciences. The program is facilitated by PATHfinders Peer Mentors.

WHAT is it exactly?

WHEN does it begin?

Applications close on Friday, May 27

The program itself takes place July 20-July 23, 2022

WHERE will it take place?

The program takes place in-person on UK's campus. PATHfinders Summer Bridge participants will stay in UK Residence Halls, meet in various on-campus buildings, will tour the Wethington Building, and will do a walking tour of the entire campus.

Cost for Students

$300
Cost includes housing, meals and activities.
Partial and full scholarships will be available for those who may need them (scholarship-related questions are included in the application).

For more information, see the video and apply on our website here.